Reconciliation Action Plan

View Reconciliation Action Plan

Since its inception, WOMADelaide has championed First Nations artists, with programs that have showcased artists and storytellers from across the country. Embracing the diverse cultural tapestry and artistic narratives of Australia's First Nations peoples, WOMADelaide strives to provide a platform for stories to be heard through music, arts, and dance, playing a pivotal role in fostering cultural understanding and appreciation amongst festival attendees.

WOMADelaide has consistently featured performances from many talented First Nations artists and groups, demonstrating a distinctive commitment to showcasing First Nations sounds and stories. Throughout the years this has enabled an increased visibility on the global stage, and significantly contributed to the broader recognition and celebration of Australia's rich First Nations culture.

Since 1999, a Welcome to Country has opened the festival, led by Kaurna elders including Karl Telfer & Paitya Dance Group, followed by the late Stevie Goldsmith and Taikurtinna, then Uncle Stevie’s son, Jamie Goldsmith and Taikurtinna and, in more recent years, Ngangki Warra.

Each year, WOMADelaide incorporates educational initiatives and discussions that focus on First Nations issues. Through workshops and the Planet Talks series, the festival creates an environment where festivalgoers can engage with, and learn from, the profound cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations communities.

This emphasis on cultural exchange and understanding has transformed WOMADelaide into an experience that transcends boundaries and builds bridges between communities.

Presentations across the years have included:

2024: Artist Cedric Varcoe was commissioned to redesign the iconic WOMAD letters, which are erected in Botanic Park each festival.

Performers from Arnhem Land over the years have included Djuki Mala (2018), Gawurra (2017), Djalu Gurruwiwi (2015), Gupapuygnu Dancers (2006), Wildflower (2023) and Wildfire Manwurrk (2024).

Australian contemporary powerhouses such as Baker Boy (2022) A.B Original (2017 & 2022), Thelma Plum (2013 & 2019), Mo’Ju (2019 & 2024), Electric Fields (2017 & 2022), Barkaa (2022), King Stingray (2022) and Emma Donovan (2007, 2015 & 2022) have shared their music and unique and important stories.

1995, 1999, and 2023: Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s premier First Nations contemporary dance company, have brought three extraordinary works to the WOMADelaide stages.

2020: The WOMADelaide x Northern Sound System Academy was established, with graduates MRLN x RKM (2021), Sonz of Serpent (2022), DEM MOB (2023) and Rob Edwards (2024) performing in the Academy showcases and subsequently being selected to perform on the festival stages.

2008, 2014 and 2022: Kutcha Edwards performed, most recently with graduates of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music.

2001: Inma (The Rope Story) was developed by Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara elders as a means of refocussing young men taking risks with their lives and reinforcing their place in the land and the universe.

1992 - 2021: The late Archie Roach gave timeless performances at six WOMADelaide festivals, creating poignant journeys through the heart and soul of Australian storytelling and leaving an indelible mark on audiences and artists alike.

2019: Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir performed German hymns and other sacred music in the traditional Western Arrarnta and Pitjantjatjara languages in an extraordinary meeting of cultures.

2017: The late Uncle Jack Charles, respected Aboriginal elder and unofficial ‘Godfather of Indigenous Theatre’, joined longtime friend Archie Roach in an extraordinary Artist in Conversation entitled Healing & Empowerment Through the Arts.

2012: Weaving the World saw Better World Arts and Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) artists present weaving and sand art alongside Tenzin Choegyal and the Monks of Tibet.

2009 and 2012: The late Dr G Yunupingu transported audiences with his hauntingly beautiful voice and soulful melodies, leaving an unforgettable imprint of emotional resonance.

2009, 2010 and 2011: in partnership with Better World Arts, WOMADelaide commissioned the creation of 60 hand-painted original artworks in 2009, 2010 (Kungkarangkalpa in the Sky), and 2011 (Flags of the APY Lands). These were subsequently exhibited at WOMAD festivals in Adelaide, New Zealand, and the UK. 

2008: The Black Arm Band created an extraordinary performance featuring a 32-piece 'super-band' of leading First Nations artists including Stephen Pigram, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Lou Bennett, Joe Geia, and Kutcha Edwards. 17 Tiwi artists from Pwanga Womens Enterprise led screen-printing workshops for the local community before the festival and created fabric and garments live onsite at the festival.

2007: Nganampa Music saw artists from the APY Lands come together to undertake singer-songwriter workshops with Kev Carmody and Adelaide musician Dylan Woolcock; Tjanpi Desert Weavers, traditional weaving artists, joined forces with Adelaide contemporary textile artist Sandy Elverd for a series of cross-cultural workshops for the South Australian arts community and create woven baskets and large-scale sculptural works for exhibition at the festival.

1993: Yothu Yindi’s electrifying presence at the second WOMADelaide created a powerful and culturally significant musical experience that transcended time and connected with audiences.

1993: Mornington Island Dancers was established by Lardil elders to preserve the heritage and culture through stories and dances of the gulf region.